Ukrainian mathematics Maryna Viazovska , of the Polytechnic University of Lausanne, was awarded one of the four “Fields” medals , the world's highest recognition for mathematics , similar to the Nobel.

Viazovska is the second woman to win the coveted prize , established in 1936 and awarded by the International Mathematical Union every four years to mathematicians under 40 years of age.

Also honored with Maryna Viazovska are Hugo Duminil-Copin , of the University of Geneva, James Maynard , of the University of Oxford, and June Huh , of Princeton.

Viazovska in 2016 solved the problem of packing spheres in dimension 8 and, in collaboration with others, in dimension 24 . Previously, the problem had only been solved for three or fewer dimensions, and testing the three-dimensional version (Kepler's conjecture) involved lengthy computer calculations. In contrast, Viazovska's proof for dimensions 8 and 24 was considered " incredibly simple" .

(Unioneonline / vl)